EVERTON are to stop the practice of burying supporters' ashes around the Goodison Park pitch.

EVERTON are to stop the practice of burying supporters' ashes around the Goodison Park pitch.

The Blues have reluctantly withdrawn the facility after running out of space.

Since the club began offering the service, the ashes of more than 800 Evertonians have been laid to rest there.

The ashes of many former players, including the legendary Dixie Dean, have also been sprinkled on the pitch.

Everton's head of public relations Ian Ross said: "We have used up all the available pitch-side space.

"It is very disappointing because, from the club's perspective, we always regarded it as akin to the ultimate honour that someone would want Goodison Park to represent their final resting place.

"We never publicised or advertised the fact that we did this; it was simply a service we provided for supporters."

The spot where each fan's ashes are buried is marked by a memorial plaque.

The club also allowed family members to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries and other special dates by letting them spend time at their loved one's site.

Blues chiefs have been aware that the number of spaces available has been diminishing and had hoped to solve the problem by opening a chapel of rest at the proposed Kings Dock stadium.

But when those plans fell through the club had to stop the practice of burying ashes at pitchside.

Everton are discussing with the Rev Harry Ross about the possibility of ashes being laid to rest within the grounds of St Luke's church on Goodison Road - a church which famously represents part of Goodison Park's fabric.

* WHEN Liverpool boxing trainer Jimmy Albertina died last year his family thought the only rightful resting place for the lifelong Blues fan would be Goodison Park.

Jimmy's widow Bernie approached the club who were only too happy to find a burial spot.

She said: "As well as being a massive Everton fan he also worked as a steward on match days.

"It was fitting to have his ashes buried there because Everton were such a big part of his life.